BEAUTY FROM ASHES

TWENTY SIX

~Angry, and half in love with her, and tremendously sorry, I turned away.~
-F. Scott Fitzgerald

LEVI'S POV

I've been noticing that Milea and Aiden have been hanging out a lot lately. Now I'm not going to lie, but I've been watching her, especially with him. Yes, sure, call me jealous.

I haven't spoken to anyone in the gang for a while, because I'm a coward. Although, I'm still good friends with Liam.

Our friendship is the kind of friendship where I don't need to talk to him for months but if I need him he's there. Visa-versa.

Although, I haven't been completely honest with him or the guys about Milea. They don't know that we've dated. I feel guilty for keeping that a secret, as I know we're like brothers. What hurts me the most is that after Connor it's me and Aiden. We're super close.

I doubt that it'll stay that way for long.

So I decided to call Liam, he immediately picked up. "Hey man, long time since I've seen you. What's up?" I chuckled, "Hey dude, yeah sorry for that. You busy at the moment?" "Nope, why you need something?" "Yeah, do you want to come over?" "Sure, be there in fifteen." "Fifteen? Liam, it takes you five minutes to get her." He chuckled, "But I need an extra ten cause I'm bringing chicken wings along." I burst out laughing, "Weirdo." He snorts, "Nah, I have a feeling that this is going to be a long stay." I sighed,"Yeah, maybe."

-Later-

Liam and I were in my room eating chicken wings. He glanced up at me, "So tell me bro, what's up?" I sighed, "Liam, you need to swear that you'll keep this between us."

He holds up his hand in agreement. "Now bro, get to the point." I nodd. "Okay, well back before I came here, so when I lived in South Africa I was in a relationship with Milea."

Liam dropped his chicken wing and stared at me wide-eyed. "Bro! You're joking!" I shook my hand. "I'm afraid not." Liam ran his free clean hand through his hair.

"Bro, I don't know what to say." I chuckle, "Yeah. Well it stays between us." He nodds. "Was Milea always like this back in South Africa?" I glance up at him, "Oh yeah. She's super nice and friendly. She used to get invited to tons of parties, but she was very selective as to which she went to. I think one of the things I loved about her was her dedication and wisdom. I mean she'd turn down any social event if she needed to study. She could prioritise."

Liam nods, "Why did you two break up anyway?" I sigh. Do I tell him? Well, it's clearly eating you up alive. So I tell him.

He takes a moment to digest what I've just said. He shakes his head and clenches his jaw. I sigh. "I haven't told her the full story yet. She only knows what she knows. I honestly feel so stupid, she didn't need that. She had so much going on and I just had to make it worse."

Liam nodded, "Levi." I turned to him, "You don't realise it do you?" I furrow my eyebrows. He sighs, "You're still madly in love with her."

Woah. I think I am.

I run my hand through me hair. I turn to Liam. "What can I do?" Liam shook his head, "Well going up against Aiden is dangerous. I mean you not only get on his bad side, you also ruin your brotherhood."

I closed my eyes. "I want her back Liam." He got up and sat next to me. "Bro, you had her. In fact she loved you, but you were the one that broke everything."

I sighed, "I'm getting her back. No matter what it takes." Liam clenched his jaw. "Don't do this man. Let her be." I glared at him. "No, I'm getting her back."

I hear that there's a notification on my phone. Great, just great. Aiden posted a picture of him and Milea at this resteraunt.

Why does she need to look so happy? Doesn't she miss me? All the times we've had?

Well, I miss her. More than I'd like to admit. I know we built it all up, only for me to break it down again. But I need her. I regret what happened, I was so selfish.

I should've been there for her. I should of held her when she cried instead of made her feel guilty.

I should've made sure she was okay. I should've given her my undivided love and affection. I should've been more careful.

I'm going to wear my heart on my sleeve. I'm going to suck up my pride and I'm going to beg. I need you back Milea.